Hyderabad, Apr 16 : Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist lavished praise on teammate Paul Valthaty for the way he had dealt with all the adulation in the last couple of days to produce another blinder of an innings in the team's eight-wicket win over Deccan Chargers in the IPL here today.
High on confidence after his match-winning century in their previous match against Chennai Super Kings, Valthaty today proved that his effort against the defending champions the other night was no flash in the pan, and Gilchrist was naturally delighted.
“He has a had a very busy couple of days with messages and all, but he has dealt with it very well. We complemented each other very well through phases. I was giving him the strike early on, and later he did the same,” Gilchrist said.The former Australia keeper said it was a tough chase, made easier by Valthaty's superb show.
“I was trying to hang in with Paul. He is a very calm customer. It was a tough chase, but if you play as well as Paul did, you end up winning easier. The way Paul is going the total wasn't enough,” he said.“They have a very experienced bowling line-up, (so it's) very pleasing for our batsmen to come through.”
Valthaty, after his all-round show, became the first player in the IPL to take four wickets and score a half century.Thanks to his marauding knock, he also equalled Sachin Tendulkar as the leading scorer in the ongoing league.
“To be on par with the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, is overwhelming,” Valthaty said.The 27-year-old said it was important that he makes a fresh start after the onslaught against Chennai.
“Probably I am a calm person. It was important that I forgot my previous innings, it was a new game, new day. Honestly my family and friends helped me out. Adam spoke to me as well before we came to the ground.
“So far so good. (In the) previous innings I remained not out. I would not dwell too much in to this. It is a long tournament and I will try to take each game as it comes,” he said.
Chargers skipper Kumar Sngakkara felt 165 was a competitive total but 15-20 runs more would have been better.
“I thought it was a competitive total, maybe 15-20 runs more. Gilly and Paul batted really well. they hit every loose ball to the boundary or over it. we weren't just good enough today,” Sangakkara said. PTI
